THOMASVILLE, Ga. — They are painting the town yellow Saturday in honor of a community icon.

The first Gail McNish Day will be held Saturday at the Wright Street Mini Market that she ran for years. McNish passed away a year ago, a day short of her 65th birthday and yellow ribbons are out in her honor.

“Everyone has yellow ribbons on the houses and cars,” said longtime friend Karen Rubin.

“She was a pillar in the community,” said her daughter Nayo McNish. “She was a phenomenal woman. She was known for her heart. Her heart was huge. Everyone knew Gail McNish.”

Saturday also will be declared Gail McNish Day, her daughter said.

The store was more than a place to shop, Rubin and Nayo McNish said.

“When she saw you, she would say, ‘Hey, love, how are you doing?’ ” Rubin said.

Those who left to Thomasville and returned for visits had to stop by the store, Rubin said.

“It was a landmark. It was home,” she said.

McNish, who was also a nurse, even told Rubin she might have cataracts, two years before Rubin went blind.

“She was a mentor, a counselor. She was their confidante,” her daughter said. “She did so much for the community. From the cradle to the grave, she was there for people.”

Rubin sand the younger McNish recounted the story of someone who owed Gail’s store $50 and felt compelled to pay one of her daughters the outstanding debt at her service.

McNish often provided food for the elderly in the neighborhood and made sure they got home safely from the store, her daughter said.

“She treated everyone equally,” Nayo McNish said.

Her mom also raised generations, Nayo said.

“She even raised people of the same age, like myself,” Rubin added.

There will be activities for children and information booths for adults, including voter registration.

Saturday’s event, which will begin at 2 p.m., will be “a celebration,” Nayo McNish said.

“We’re showing our love for the community,” she added. “We’re just trying to express our love for the community from her.”